Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Wizards Fantasy Draft Rounds 3 & 4

3 (1). Team Shook - Chris Klein - Klein is second in every major offensive category in Wizards history with 39 goals, 45 assists, and 123 points. Klein is also fourth on the career list of games played and minutes played. Klein also was a force in the playoffs, adding 3 more goals and 4 assists, none bigger than his assist on Miklos Molnar's 2000 MLS Cup winning goal.

Klein was also the definition of resilience, twice winning MLS Comeback Player of the Year awards in 2002 and 2005 for his strong recovery from njuries to both of his knees.

3 (2). Team DTB - Kerry Zavagnin - Not known for his offensive talent (8 goals in 8 years with the Wizards) Zavagnin is on the field to disrupt the opposing team's passing game. After the 2000 season, he began to feature for the US National team, earning 21 caps. In 2004 he was named to the MLS Best XI. And in 2007 after a few years without scoring, scored 3 highlight real goals, including a 30 yard bomb against Chivas that was a finalist for GOTY.

3 (3). Bravado F.C. - Kevin Hartman - Hartman holds several MLS goalkeeping records (first to 100 wins, first back-to-back GAA<1.00 and 20-win seasons, league leader in shutouts) and while those records were largely established with the archnemesis Los Angeles Galaxy, Hartman has proven himself worthy of selection among the all-time best Wizards. After being acquired for the 2007 season, "El Gato" led the Wizards back to the playoffs for the first time since 2004, then led the Wizards to the Western Conference Championship recording back-to-back shutouts against Chivas USA. Although the 33-year old is said to have lost a step, his reactions and positioning are - in the opinion of Bravado F.C. - superior to any goalkeeper the Wizards have had to date.

4 (1). Bravado F. C. - Peter Vermes - Although Vermes struggled with injuries during his final two seasons in Wizards blue, his performance in 2000 is good enough to cement him as one of the best defenders ever to have played for Kansas City. Named the MLS Defender of the Year in 2000, Vermes led a defensive unit that recorded 16 shutouts and an amazing 0.91 goals-against average en route to a league double, winning the 2000 Supporter's Shield and MLS Cup. Vermes' influence continues with the Wizards today as he currently holds the position of Technical Director.

4 (2). Team DTB - Davy Arnaud - While his most productive season for the Wizards was at forward, I expect Davy to line up on the wing for DTB when we take the field. His work ethic and tenacity on the field will bring an extra level to the players on the team.

4 (3). Team Shook - Chris Henderson - Henderson is second all-time in MLS games played, most of which came with the Colorado Rapids. However, Hendo's best season may have been in 2000 when he lead the Wizards in scoring with 9 goals and 9 assists, earned an All-Star nod, and helped lead the team to the MLS Cup, earning the only championship of Henderson's long career.

In his two seasons manning the Wizards flank Hendo scored 13 goals and 15 assists, and earned a place as a fan favorite that lasts to this day.